Former President Donald Trump warned Iran that it must abandon its nuclear ambitions and halt the killing of protesters or risk U.S. military action, as American warships were deployed to the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters at a public event, Trump said Iran had two conditions to meet to avoid military confrontation with the United States: ending its nuclear program and stopping the use of lethal force against protesters.
“No nuclear,” Trump said. “And number two, stop killing protesters.” He claimed demonstrators were being killed “by the thousands,” and added that he had intervened to prevent executions.
Trump said a large U.S. naval force was moving toward the region but suggested military action was not inevitable. “We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing toward Iran right now,” he said. “It would be great if we didn’t have to use them.”
Earlier in the week, Trump publicly called on Iran to return to negotiations, warning that U.S. forces were prepared to act if diplomacy failed. He said time was running out for Tehran but indicated the military buildup was intended to pressure Iran into making concessions.
The comments came as Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, traveled to Turkey for diplomatic talks aimed at assessing whether negotiations with the United States were possible. While Araghchi met with regional leaders, his initial remarks offered little indication of a breakthrough.
Trump said he had been communicating with Iran and expected further discussions, though it was unclear whether those contacts were direct or conducted through intermediaries.
The Trump administration has outlined broad demands for Iran, including a complete end to uranium enrichment, removal of existing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, limits on Iran’s missile program, and an end to support for allied armed groups across the Middle East.
Iranian officials have rejected those demands, arguing they would undermine the country’s sovereignty. Araghchi said Iran remained open to negotiations but only under conditions of mutual respect and without coercion or threats.
He reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and said such arms have no place in the country’s security doctrine, while insisting on Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.
During his visit to Turkey, Araghchi also held discussions with officials from several Middle Eastern countries. Regional governments have signaled they would not allow their airspace or territory to be used for military action against Iran.
Araghchi criticized recent European moves to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, calling the decision a serious strategic mistake. He warned the action could have consequences for diplomatic relations but did not specify what steps Iran might take in response.
Iranian officials affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard said the European decision would carry significant repercussions, further escalating tensions between Tehran and Western governments.